Which is why it's the correct definition. True "#1 defensemen" are few and far between. #1 guys are "do it all" players. They play the hardest minutes and are a major factor in the offensive zone as well. Staal is a top-pairing defender without question, but he is not a true #1 at this point.

To me, #1 defenseman is mathematically defined. Just like the number of starting goalies and state senators.